Bridges of Ross
Droichid an Rois
A natural sea arch on the north coast of the Loop Head peninsula. Three arches once stood here, but only one remains; on stormy autumn days it is a prime place to watch migrating seabirds.
The Bridges of Ross are natural arches carved by the sea into sandstone. Their name originally referred to three bridges, but only one remains intact today, where the layered rock strata are still visible. From the roadside car park, it is about a five-minute walk along the cliff top. The rock platforms nearby also show ancient ripple-mark fossils. From August to October each year, strong northwesterly winds blow large numbers of distant-water seabirds, such as terns, skuas and storm petrels, close to shore. This makes the site one of Europe's best-known seabird observation points and a gathering place for birdwatchers. You can walk on top of the arch, but the edges are slippery and unfenced, so stay away from the cliff edge when the waves are large. Admission is free. The site lies on the route between Kilkee and Loop Head Lighthouse.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Church of the Little Ark
- Loop Head Lighthouse
- Shannon Dolphin Watching (Carrigaholt)
- Carrigaholt Castle
- Kilkee Cliff Walk
- Pollock Holes
- Kilkee Bay (Moore Bay)
- Scattery Island